The Ultimate Athens Itinerary: 2, 3, and 4-Day Plans
No matter how many days you plan to spend in the Greek capital, there’s an Athens itinerary to help you see and experience everything, from legendary monuments to local gastronomy.
Keep reading to discover the best 2, 3, and 4-day Athens itinerary plans. We have you covered regardless of the length of your trip!
2-day Athens itinerary
If you plan to spend a weekend in Athens, a 2-day itinerary is perfect for you. Since most attractions and archaeological sites are located in the city center and close to each other, it’s easy to visit multiple sites in one day -let alone in two. To ensure you see everything at your own pace and avoid the public transportation hassle, opt for a hotel in Kolonaki or a hotel in Syntagma. All the main points of interest will be within walking distance!
So, if you only have 2 days in Athens, here are the best things to do:
Day 1
On the first full day of this 2-day Athens itinerary, start by visiting the city’s most imposing archaeological site, the Acropolis. On the Acropolis Hill, you will see the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike, and marvel at the breathtaking city view. After visiting the Acropolis, head to the Acropolis Museum to discover the impressive findings of excavations carried out on the hill!
Extra tip: The best time to visit the Acropolis Hill and the Acropolis Museum is early morning when the crowds are still thin.
Day 2
What better way to spend your second full day in Athens than by exploring the historic center? In the heart of the city center lie several ancient monuments worth visiting, including the Ancient Agora, the Odeon of Herod Atticus, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Hadrian’s Library. After soaking in all these archaeological gems, you can sit at a tavern in Plaka
and indulge in some drool-worthy local specialties!
3-day Athens itinerary
A 3-day Athens itinerary is perfect for those who want to dig deeper into the city’s culture and history. So, along with the popular tourist attractions, you can also visit some lesser-known places and enjoy exciting activities.
Let’s see what a complete 3-day Athens itinerary can include:
Day 1
On the first day of this 3-day Athens itinerary, you will immerse yourself in the charm of the city center. Strolling through the picturesque Plaka neighborhood is the perfect way to start your itinerary. Just wander the narrow streets and take photos in front of the Cycladic-like houses. You will instantly feel transported to the middle of the Aegean Sea!
Day 2
The second day of your itinerary can be fully devoted to Athens’ archaeological treasures. From the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum to the Roman Agora and Hadrian’s Library, now is the time to visit them all. Start your day at the Acropolis, which gets easily overcrowded as the day progresses, and continue with the rest of the archaeological sites.
Extra tip: If you want a break from sightseeing, you can sit at the Aeropagus Hill and marvel at sweeping city views.
Day 3
On the third day of your itinerary, you can explore Athens’ art galleries and museums. The Greek capital boasts fascinating museums, including archeological, cultural, and natural history. So whether you’re a history buff or an art enthusiast, you will find the perfect museum for you!
Some of the best museums to visit (apart from the Acropolis Museum) include:
- The National Archaeological Museum
- The Museum of Cycladic Art
- Benaki Museum
- The War Museum
- The Museum of Basil & Elise Goulandris
- The Numismatic Museum
- Benaki Museum of Islamic Art
4-day Athens itinerary
4 days is ideal for your trip to Athens, as you can visit the main points of interest, explore the city, and discover nearby destinations at your own pace. So, if you plan to spend 4 days in Athens, get ready to discover the city’s authentic side!
Here’s a 4-day Athens itinerary you can follow to make the most of your trip:
Day 1
The first day of your itinerary is perfect for a stroll in the city center! Wander around the Plaka neighborhood, shop along the commercial Ermou Street, get lost in the center’s narrow streets, and visit delicatessens to indulge in local delicacies. After a day filled with exploration, you can sit at a traditional tavern to taste popular Greek recipes, such as moussaka, souvlaki, and Greek salad. Yum!
Day 2
On the second day of this 4-day Athens itinerary prepare for some walking, as you will explore the city center’s archaeological sites. So put on your most comfortable shoes and visit:
- The Acropolis
- The Acropolis Museum
- Pnyx
- The Roman Agora
- The Ancient Agora
- Panathenaic Stadium
- The Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Hadrian’s Arch
Extra tip: For an unforgettable end to this day, take the funicular to the top of Lycabettus Hill and watch the sunset while sipping a glass of local wine!
Day 3
Your visit to Athens can’t be complete without a day trip to a nearby destination! If your trip to Athens is in summer, then an island day trip is ideal, but if you’re visiting Athens in fall, a mainland destination is your best bet. The best day trip destinations from Athens include:
- Aegina
- Poros
- Syros
- Nafplion
- Epidaurus
- Mycenae
- Livadia
- Galaxidi
- Trikala Korinthias
Day 4
Your fourth and last day will be dedicated to art in all forms, offering the perfect opportunity to visit various museums and explore Athens’ diverse street art scene. The city center, in particular, is filled with numerous graffiti-covered walls that will fascinate you!
The best neighborhoods for street art in Athens are:
- Monastiraki
- Exarcheia
- Keramikos
- Psyrri
- Metaxourgio
Athens itineraries can be adjusted to suit the length of your stay, letting you see everything regardless of how many days you stay. If you want to enjoy everything the city offers, just choose a 2, 3, or 4-day itinerary and tailor it to your needs, but remember: the best way to explore a new destination is to get lost!
